The Champions League returns to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Tuesday night as Bologna host Monaco in a crucial Group E clash. The Italian side are still searching for their first goal and victory in this season’s competition, while Monaco remain unbeaten and on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stages.
Bologna’s return to European football after decades away has not gone according to plan so far. The Rossoblu have managed just one point from their opening three matches, coming in a goalless draw at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday one.
Subsequent 2-0 defeats away to both Liverpool and Aston Villa have left Bologna rooted to the bottom of Group E. Most concerningly, they are yet to find the back of the net in the Champions League this season, becoming the first team to fire blanks in their first three matches since 2013.
It’s not for a lack of trying, though; Bologna have attempted the most shots (41) without scoring of any team in the competition. This profligacy in front of goal has also impacted their domestic form, with a series of draws seeing them slip into the bottom half of Serie A.
However, there are signs of improvement for the Emilian club. Back-to-back league wins over Cagliari and Lecce have lifted the mood around the Dall’Ara. Captain Riccardo Orsolini has been key to this mini-revival, netting in three consecutive Serie A matches.
Bologna will take heart from their impressive home record in European competition. The Rossoblu are unbeaten in all 28 previous continental fixtures at the Dall’Ara—a run they’ll be desperate to extend against Monaco.
In stark contrast to their hosts, Monaco have made a flying start to their Champions League campaign. The Ligue 1 side sit second in Group E with seven points from three matches, putting them on course for automatic qualification to the last 16.
Monaco opened with a statement 1-0 victory over Barcelona before drawing 2-2 away to Dinamo Zagreb. They then hammered Red Star Belgrade 5-1 last time out in a dominant display that saw them rack up 27 shots—their joint-highest tally in a Champions League match.
Monaco’s attacking prowess has been particularly impressive. Only three sides have scored more goals in the competition so far, with the principality club boasting seven different goalscorers—more than any other team.
This European form is in keeping with Monaco’s strong start to the Ligue 1 season. Les Monégasques went 11 games unbeaten in all competitions before suffering their first defeat against local rivals Nice last month.
However, that loss was followed by a shock 1-0 reverse at home to struggling Angers. It marks the first time Monaco have lost back-to-back league matches in over a year, hinting at a slight dip in form ahead of their trip to Italy.
Team News
Bologna boss Thiago Motta received a boost with the return of midfielder Lewis Ferguson from a long-term knee injury at the weekend. The Scot made a late substitute appearance against Lecce to complete his comeback.
However, the hosts remain without Charalampos Lykogiannis, Oussama El Azzouzi, and Martin Erlic through injury. Michel Aebischer is also doubtful with a thigh problem.
Swiss internationals Remo Freuler and Dan Ndoye could both start for Bologna, potentially lining up against compatriot Breel Embolo who is set to lead the line for Monaco.
The visitors have injury concerns of their own, with Denis Zakaria, Folarin Balogun, and Mohammed Salisu likely to miss out. But defenders Jordan Teze and Vanderson return from suspension to bolster Hütter’s options.
Young winger Maghnes Akliouche is expected to support Embolo in attack. The 21-year-old has been directly involved in a goal in each of his three Champions League appearances so far this season.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro
Monaco: Majecki; Vanderson, Singo, Kehrer, Henrique; Camara, Magassa; Akliouche, Minamino, Golovin; Embolo
Match Prediction
While Monaco’s recent domestic stumbles may give Bologna hope, the French side’s European pedigree should see them through a tight encounter. The hosts are improving but may have to wait a little longer for that elusive first Champions League win.
Prediction: Bologna 1-1 Monaco
